A Convenient Escape: Convenient Risk Series, #4

By Sara R. Turnquist

She has nowhere to go. He has nothing to lose.

Lily McAllen has known nothing but hardship and rejection. Her brother, the only person she can lean on, takes a job at the Miller ranch. Now with no ally, she is alone, confined, and vulnerable. Even God has forsaken her. She becomes desperate to get away…by any means necessary.

Despite his best intentions, Daniel Hayworth is drawn into a fatal mishap. He feels responsible. And is prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure Lily is cared for…even if that means proposing marriage.

Complicating matters, Geronimo and his raiding band terrorize the surrounding areas. Troubles mount and tensions challenge the growing attraction between Dan and Lily.

Will they make it to the church? Or find themselves victims of lies, disillusionment, or the ire of an Apache rebel?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sara R. Turnquist
• Release date: Oct 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9781956410044

Book preview

A CONVENIENT ESCAPE

Sara R. Turnquist

A Convenient Escape

by Sara R. Turnquist

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.

Copyright © 2020 Sara R. Turnquist

© 2020 Cover Art by Cora Graphics

© Periodimages.com

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 9798651567737

To Sean and Cindy ~

For showing me what a loving marriage looks like

with years behind you. It inspires me to continue

to write (and believe) in romance.

CHAPTER ONE

The Inevitable

Why should it be so bright and sunny on the day of a funeral? It didn’t seem right. As if the world rejoiced with the sad soul’s passing. Would the ground be so accepting of his remains? The thought was morbid. Even for one of Lily’s darker moments.

She pushed it to the side. Not even her estranged grandfather deserved such tidings. Where was her respect for the dead? A shiver shook her body despite the sun’s warmth bearing down upon her.

A quick glance at her father yielded no more certainty than she had received these last several days. The man’s relationship with his own father had been a mystery. Why had she never known her grandfather? What kind of man was he? Her uncle spoke of the man rather well. But her father’s features betrayed his feelings beyond a shadow of doubt—somewhat of a blessing, as he would not utter one word on the subject. At least, not to her.

Perhaps he had spoken to Joseph. Wouldn’t her brother have told her? They shared everything. Or so she thought. Peering to her other side, she spied Joe. Though he was three years her junior, he stood a solid foot taller. Not that she minded. He had become her confidant and protector over these last few years when Ma’s antics had…had become more difficult to bear.

She would have been lost without Joe. Somehow, he kept on smiling through it all. How did he do that?

He shot her a look. His gaze deepened and his hand covered hers.

She squeezed it.

A cough to the other side of Joe drew his attention.

Ma.

It became a coughing fit.

No. Not today.

Lily closed her eyes. Dear Lord in heaven, not today.

Joe released Lily’s hand and drew Ma closer to his side as he pulled out his handkerchief. Perhaps no one would think any more on it. And Joe would keep her contained.

At least Lily could hope.

She chanced a glance at Pa.

He glared across his small family, as if daring any of them to step out of line and embarrass him. Tarnish the great image of Sheriff McAllen.

Lily shook, unable to control her body’s reaction. She pulled her arms around herself and sniffled.

Pa’s handkerchief appeared before her.

Without turning in his direction, she slid out a shaking hand to retrieve it.

How much longer must they remain here—a spectacle before the whole town? On display? Every movement, every sound scrutinized? It became more than her nerves could manage. A familiar unease pierced her beneath her ribs.

She tasted bile.

It would not happen. She would not let it.

Clenching her teeth, she swallowed against the pressure in her throat.

At last, the preacher finished speaking and stepped to the side.

What remained? The prayer? Had he prayed?

Not yet.

What was he waiting for?

Reverend Jones looked to them expectantly. To her.

There was something she was meant to do.

She sensed Pa’s eyes boring into her.

God, if You have any mercy, enlighten me.

Joe laid a hand on her shoulder, rubbing his fingers there and pressing her forward.

Forward?

She stepped out from the line. Toward the grave.

Oh, yes. Her flower. She was to place it upon the coffin. Ma, too.

Glancing back over her shoulder, she reached for Ma’s hand. Threading her trembling fingers through Ma’s, she led the unsteady woman toward the pine box.

Ma’s footfalls were not even. Lily prayed others wouldn’t notice.

As they drew up to the coffin, Lily gulped. She had never been so close to a dead body. Nor had she ever wished to be.

Thankfully, the box had been closed and sealed. Not that she would have even recognized the man within had he been lain out as if in sleep. She had not known him in life.

It seemed wrong to playact this way—this pretense of sorrow, of grief. She forced her guilt to the side…as usual. And laid the rose upon the pine box’s lid.

Ma followed suit.

Lily turned to step back into line, but Ma would not budge. Lily’s stomach sank. They were so close.

If only she could beseech Joe. He would help her. But if she peered at him, everyone would see.

What was she to do?

Her whole body seemed to shake. She leaned closer to Ma. It’s time for us to step back, she whispered.

Ma continued to glare at the casket. Her eyes glazed, uncomprehending.

Lily closed her eyes and licked her lips. Then she tugged at her mother’s arm again.

The woman would not move.

And then Lily was being pressed. Ma was pushing her.

Lily held tightly to her arm.

No, Ma, she pled. Not here.

Pa was behind them in a second. His arm around Ma, pulling her away from Lily.

But that didn’t deter her from continuing to reach for her daughter, intent on inflicting some sort of harm.

Lily froze, aware that she had become the object of everyone’s attention as Pa led Ma into the anonymity of the crowd.

But Joe’s calming presence was there a moment later. He took her arm and led her back to their place.

Lily’s aunt and cousins placed their flowers without incident. Then Reverend Jones stepped forward and spoke some closing words that Lily didn’t hear. The pounding of her heartbeat in her ears was too loud.

Everyone around her bowed their heads. But Lily could not. Would not. She did not wish to speak to God on this or any other day.

Joe tugged at her sleeve. Had he noticed? But she refused to oblige him, continuing to stare straight ahead.

The prayer ended and the crowd dispersed.

Time to find Ma and Pa. Or was it?

Must they?

For nothing good awaited her there.

A handful of well-wishers approached her uncle and aunt, and all but ignored her and Joseph.

It stung, but she tried not to let it. There truly wasn’t a relationship lost between her and the man buried this day.

As the churchyard emptied and the preacher said his personal farewells to the family, Joseph offered an arm to Lily.

She took it and let him lead her toward the small town streets. Would they seek out Pa? He had most likely taken Ma to the jail—the best and quickest place to get her out of view.

Lily did not wish to face either of them.

But Joseph was more the dutiful child than she.

As they walked, she tried not to slow their steps too noticeably. Still, she needed some extra moments to still her racing heart. How could it be so erratic?

But as they neared the main stretch, Joseph turned them toward the school.

Relief released some of the tension in her shoulders. And she fell into an easier pace with him.

Only then could she concentrate on his words.

He spoke of nothing of consequence—the weather, the happenings of the town. Benign topics that any passer-by would be able to overhear without concern.

As they neared the big tree beyond the school, he stopped. Want to swing?

She furrowed her brows. Swing? A woman her age didn’t partake in such a girlish pastime.

I’ll push. He smiled.

She crossed her arms. I don’t know if that’s entirely appropriate.

He laughed. For a brother to push his sister?

For a grown woman to swing, she countered. Was he crazy?

Turning his head this way and that, he leaned toward her and lowered his voice. Who’s gonna know?

She rolled her eyes.

Come on, Lil. I know how much you used to love it. He grasped the rope on one side of the swing. You know you want to.

He was right. She did. And there wasn’t anyone around to wag their tongues about it. Maybe she could…

All right. She threw up her hands.

His lips spread across his face. He maneuvered behind the wooden seat and held the ropes.

She turned and sat, clasping the ropes just above his handholds.

He lowered his hold and pulled the swing back. Then released it and sent her soaring.

And she left the earth. Everything…her troubles, her problems…all of it fell away, and it was just her. In the sky, the gentle breeze surrounding her as she moved back and forth in a steady rhythm.

She wasn’t sure how long Joseph indulged her, but when she slowed, it was too soon. As he allowed her momentum to still, she was breathless from laughter.

You don’t smile enough. He held out a hand to help her up.

Grinning, she held onto the moment for every last sweet piece of joy it could give her. I could say the same for you.

He ducked his head, looking to the ground.

What?

Shaking his head, he avoided her gaze.

Joe. She pushed at his shoulder. What are you hiding? Though the mood was playful, dread crowded at the edge of her mind.

His smile fell. Things became more serious.

Joseph? What was wrong? Couldn’t they share everything? Since they were young they’d often only had each other to lean on. What was this?

It’s probably time we head back. He tugged her hand onto his arm as he moved off in the direction they had come.

She pulled her hand from him. Something’s not right. Tell me.

He paused, looking at the ground and then at the horizon. Then at her. His one brow pressed down and the other lifted. Almost as if he were pained.

The trepidation from earlier returned. Her heartbeat thudded in her ears.

I…um…took a job as a ranch hand at the Miller ranch.

The ground disappeared from beneath her. Or at least her knees wouldn’t hold her anymore.

She gripped for his arms.

He steadied her.

They had always been there for one another. And now he was leaving her? To face them alone?

What…? The word sounded weak to her ears. Had it even been audible?

He eased her back onto the swing. And pushed a hand through his hair. I’m sorry, Lil. I just…I can’t do it anymore. I gotta get out and live my life.

Why couldn’t she feel anything? Sad? Angry? Anything? All that existed was this numbness.

I need you to understand that. Please, understand that.

W-When will you go? Somehow, she had made a full thought and formed a cogent question. Somehow.

Monday. He let out a breath.

Three days? That wasn’t much time. No time at all for her to get used to the idea. Much less prepare. Or…find a way out. No, that was impossible.

She was stuck in this nightmare.

And he was leaving her to face them…alone.

Dan Hayworth settled into a chair. He fought down ...

Dan Hayworth settled into a chair. He fought down a grumble that rose in his throat. Why had he been sent on this errand? It seemed much more suited to Slim. But Brandon decided it would be Dan. So, he had come to fetch the new ranch hand.

But he’d arrived earlier than expected. No one could begrudge him a cup of coffee in the café before collecting Joseph and his things.

Watching his hands clasped on the table, Dan almost missed the woman who stopped by.

Her skirt was the first thing he spotted; the floral pattern set against a tan background could not be described as interesting. But it had a gentle flow to it.

His gaze drifted to her face.

Lily.

What was she doing here? Why wasn’t she at home, helping Joseph pack? Bidding him farewell?

He mentally kicked himself. Such was none of his business. It just always seemed that those two were close.

She pressed an accommodating smile onto her features, but he could tell it was put on. Her eyes did not reflect any such levity.

What’ll you have? She brushed red-blonde hair out of her face. Some must have fallen out of her pinned up design. Most of the thickness had been gathered and secured off her neck.

But he remembered many years ago…back in their school days…when her tresses flowed free, only partly held back by a lone ribbon.

The movement of her hand drew him back to the present. She held her pencil just above her notepad. And with it, her focus.

Had she even looked at him? Did she ever?

For all the years they had known each other?

Or was he always just the carpenter’s son? And now nothing more than a ranch hand himself?

As if that wasn’t good enough. But it had been when she had pursued Cutie.

He fought the urge to cross his arms.

Averting his gaze, he looked off toward the door. Coffee, please. His words were tight.

She sighed and lowered the notepad. Coming right up. That same plastered-on smile touched her lips and she turned. Without so much as a glance.

Typical.

He shook his head. No more of those thoughts. They would not serve him.

A quick scan of the room left him much more relaxed. Only two others dined—a couple across the room by the window. It was past the breakfast hour and not quite time for lunch. He might not have long for his coffee before he would need to head out. If it wasn’t here soon.

A scream pierced the air.

Dan was on his feet before he fully registered what was happening.

Where had it come from?

He jerked his head this way and that.

The kitchen.

A second later he found himself beside the stove.

Lily, pale, jerked at her skirt, the hem of which was drenched.

The floor was covered in dark liquid, and Mrs. Jackson righted a pot.

Had Lily upended it and spilled the hot brew on herself?

He grabbed for her hand and led her to a stool. Falling to a knee, he lifted the fabric away from her leg. Indeed, it was still rather warm to the touch.

Lily seethed through clenched teeth. Her hands formed fists that jerked between curling to her chest and grabbing at her leg.

Dan pushed at them. They were obstacles. He turned to Mrs. Jackson. A cloth. As cold as you can make it.

The woman nodded and turned to fetch it.

He lifted Lily’s skirt to examine her shins.

Lily pushed out a breath but didn’t fight.

Catching her features, he sought her eyes. But they wouldn’t find his. Sealed. Clenched shut. A futile effort to block her tears?

I need to get these stockings off. We must cool the skin. He tugged at the laces of her boots.

Shifting his focus back to his work, he eased off her boots and then her stockings.

Her bared skin was red and angry but not damaged.

He breathed out a sigh, and his shoulders relaxed.

Looking up toward her features again, he once more sought her eyes. Nothing permanent.

She opened her lids, tentatively, at last meeting his gaze. Truly?

Her voice seemed so small. A pang caught in his chest at the stirring in her green eyes.

He tipped his head forward, a small movement.

It must have assured her, for she released her tight fists.

Mrs. Jackson returned with the dripping cloth.

Dan took it, pressing it first to one shin and then to the other.

Lily’s eyes shut again; her features twisted. From pain? Or more from discomfort? He hoped the latter.

Some moments of silence passed.

Shall I fetch the doctor? Mrs. Jackson interjected.

I don’t think he will be needed. Dan glance at her, removing the cloth and indicating the skin which had started returning to its normal color. There does not appear to be any deeper injury.

Mrs. Jackson nodded.

He looked to Lily again.

Her eyes were no longer shut, but she stared at him. A faint pink colored her cheeks.

Are you feeling all right? Dan furrowed his brows. Perhaps they should send for the doctor.

Yes. It’s just that… Her voice trailed as her regard shifted from Mrs. Jackson to Dan’s hands and back.

Only then did he realize how unseemly this was—so much of her legs bared, and he…

Oh. Rising, he then handed the cloth to Mrs. Jackson. My apologies. I didn’t mean to…that is, I only…

It’s all right, Dan. Lily dropped her skirt over her legs and ankles.

He peered at her. Her lips had lifted at the corners. This time, the smile brightened her eyes as well.

I…thank you for your quick assistance.

Of course. Everything about him felt shaken. His insides seemed ready to crawl out of his skin.

He offered a nod to the two women and turned to step out of the kitchen. Then swung back around. I…um…could see you home if you’d like. I happen to be headed that way.

Lily’s eyebrows rose. Oh?

He tilted his head. Yes, ma’am.

She looked at Mrs. Jackson.

Please, go home. Rest. Mrs. Jackson offered her a kind smile. You won’t do me any good like this.

Lily lowered her features. Then she peered up at Dan through long, dark lashes. Did she know how endearing that was?

If I can have a moment to gather myself, I’d like that.

Dan nodded. And a moment later, he still stood there, staring. He flinched at the awkwardness and sidestepped out of the kitchen.

He stepped to his table and settled back into his seat, praying no one paid any mind to his features, which had likely reddened. As he sat and considered the exchange, he realized that she had called him by name.

The ride to her family’s humble home passed without much conversation. Even though Lily’s father often boasted she could engage a fence post.

But this was different. Somehow.

Daniel Hayworth was not a man whose company she had frequented. Nor, necessarily, avoided. He’d always seemed quiet. Always thoughtful. And that intimidated her.

Even now, he stared after the horse, his attention rapt on its movement. But what went on in his mind? Where were his thoughts?

She fared better with men she was more accustomed to. Like Cutie. Men whose eyes had been fixed on her. Whose thoughts had been easier to read. Their intentions laid bare.

Only…

Things had not worked out with Cutie as she’d hoped.

Dan shifted beside her, pulling the reins and slowing the horse.

She looked up. The smallish house stood before them. Her features warmed despite her determined lack of consideration for Dan.

When she glanced over, he was halfway out of the cart.

What? Why?

He came around and lifted his arms to her.

What could she do? She swallowed.

Perhaps he only meant to be a gentleman. So, she placed her hands on his shoulders and let him help her down. But she would not meet his eyes. Though that found her staring at his rather broad chest.

Now with her feet firm on the earth, they stood in silence.

Her mouth was dry all of a sudden.

Say something. She commanded her tongue. I thank you. For seeing me home. It was weak. But it was something.

She dipped her head and turned, stepping out of his space. In a few moments she would be inside the house and away from this strange encounter.

The dirt crunched behind her.

Was he following her? She dared not look.

Why would he? Did he think she was incapable of walking to her own door without him? A bit chivalrous? Or perhaps a bit presumptuous?

As she approached the door, she spun, laying a hand to the latch. Thank you, again. I appreciate your quick assistance and your care in ferrying me home. She put more firmness in her tone.

He nodded but remained where he was.

What was he thinking? Was he so bold?

She made a half-way decent curtsy and opened the door, prepared to escape within. As she closed it behind herself, grateful for the barrier, he reached forth and halted the door’s progress inches short of the frame.

Then she found his eyes. Surely, he would not think to take advantage of her here. Her brother and her mother were both within. All she had to do was call out.

He seemed determined. Did he think her alone?

Might I come in? He stepped closer, now towering over her, his body closer than it needed to be.

Her heart thudded. She could hear the pounding in her ears. As much as she told herself to cry out for Joseph, her mouth would not obey. Why? Did she fear Dan would hurt her? Or was it something else? Something about the sensations threading through her at his proximity? Something she didn’t dislike.

So, she remained, neither giving more room for the door’s opening nor pressing for its closing.

Lily? a voice called from within.

Thank goodness! Joseph would rescue her. She let out a breath. Her fingers ached from holding the door so tightly.

Dan tried to look around her. Was he nervous? Discouraged? She couldn’t discern.

But she couldn’t tear her eyes away from him.

Lily, is that you? Joseph’s voice neared. He must have entered the small great room behind her. Why are you home so earl…?

She jerked around when his question trailed.

His eyes had cut to the door. And set on the man just outside.

There. Now all would be well. Her body slackened. While she gripped the door to maintain her balance, she forced herself to keep her gaze on Joseph.

Dan! Good to see you. Won’t you come in?

What? Lily shook her head. She must have misheard.

Joseph covered the space between them in a second and laid a hand on her shoulder. Lily, you know Dan.

Lily furrowed her brows. This didn’t make sense.

Putting a hand over hers on the latch, Joseph pulled the door open.

Dan arched a brow at Lily before turning his attention to Joseph. I hope I’m not too early.

Not at all. Joseph smiled. "I’m ready